The Technology Series certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in the broad range of specialized technologies. Microsoft Technology Specialists are consistently capable of implementing, building, troubleshooting, and debugging a particular Microsoft technology.

The Technology Series certifications:

Typically consist of one to three exams.
Are focused on a key Microsoft product or technology.
Do not include job-role skills.
Will be retired when mainstream product support for the particular technology expires.

The Professional Series: Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)

Professional Series credentials validate a comprehensive set of skills required to be successful on the job. These skills include design, project management, operations management, and planning, and they are contextual to the job role. By validating a more comprehensive set of skills, these credentials give candidates and their hiring managers a reliable indicator of on-the-job performance.

The Professional Series certifications:

Typically consist of one to three exams. Have one or more prerequisites from the Technology Series.
Are focused on a single job role.
Require recertification to maintain active status.

The Architect Series: Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)

This series validates the skills required to successfully affect business IT. These include technical breadth, technical depth, communication, strategy, organizational politics, process, and leadership.

The Microsoft Certified Architect Program identifies top industry experts in IT architecture. These prestigious professionals have a minimum of 10 years of advanced IT industry experience, have three or more years of experience as a practicing architect, possess strong technical and managerial skills, and form an elite community. Unlike other industry certifications, this credential was built and is granted by the architect community. Candidates must pass a rigorous review by the Review Board, which consists of previously certified peer architects.

The Architect Series certifications:

Have a rigorous and competitive entry process.
Require the candidate to work closely with a mentor who is a Microsoft Certified Architect.
Culminate in an oral review in front of previously certified architects.
Require recertification.